repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Chevrolet SuburbanProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 106 owner complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-050 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 12, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban has problems
106 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
38Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
16Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
11Structure
10Engine
8Latches/locks/linkages
5Fuel/propulsion system
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
3Steering
3Tires
139 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 38 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 1 |
| Structure | 11 | 0 |
| Engine | 10 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 13 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2009 Chevrolet Suburban recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Suburban year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Suburban median. How we score
1136971830625452189499858457360414201634282440286301204129232922131061171481011185943322014284794420812713447
'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Chevrolet Suburban safety ratings
2009 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Suburban owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I am STILL waiting for this recall to be fixed. Why is this taking so long? Every time I drive this vehicle, it is a danger for my passenger due to the defective airbag. It almost seems to me that maybe this is a stall tactic so there will be less of a cost for the repairs due to the less vehicles…
DASH HAS CONTINUED TO CRACK - OVER 4 CRACKS THAT HAS AFFECTED THE DEFROST VENT, DASH AND NOW I RECEIVE PERIODIC AIRBAG WARNINGS UPON STARTING IGNITION AND/OR PARKING. I AM CONCERNED AS A DRIVER, MOTHER OF 3 AND CAREGIVER OF ELDERLY MOM THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY AT ANYTIME AND/OR NOT FUNCTION…
PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS, AND I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MANY YEARS FOR THIS PARTICULAR RECALL TO BE FIXED! IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT NOTHING IS BEING DONE AND PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE FORCED TO BE DRIVING THEIR FAMILIES AROUND IN SUCH UNSAFE VEHICLES!!!!! I HAVE FILED MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS,…
Own a 2009 Suburban?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.